“The Lord…took away the disgrace I have endured among my people…. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me?“ Elizabeth to Mary in Luke 1:25-45.
‘Shame must change sides.’ Stéphane Babboneau, her lawyer, quoting Gisèle Pelicot.
Today’s Gospel reflects the courage and humility of Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin with whom Mary went to stay as she came to terms with the astonishing events surrounding her pregnancy. Elizabeth’s own pregnancy was remarkable, given that she was barren and past childbearing age – in those days, children were considered to be a sign of God’s blessing and Elizabeth was clearly made to feel disgraced because she had not conceived. She speaks of God looking upon her favourably because of her pregnancy and spends five months in seclusion as she prepares for what is to be. Both women courageously agree to what is being asked of them in such perplexing circumstances and are able to support one another before their babies are born, also being filled with the Holy Spirit. It may be that, before Mary’s visit, perhaps Zechariah and Elizabeth had wondered whether their baby was to be the Messiah but, as she greets Mary, it’s clear that Elizabeth realises that Mary is the mother of her Lord because of the reaction of her unborn child. What grace and humility she displays as Elizabeth tells Mary that she and her child are blessed and Mary displays similar qualities in the words of the Magnificat as she praises God for all that has been given.
Both of these women endured shame, Elizabeth for being barren and Mary for being pregnant and unmarried, but each of them is willing to allow that shame to be transformed as the new life they are carrying helps them realise God’s purposes in what is happening. These are humble yet remarkable women of faith, now lauded down the ages.
Another remarkable woman has been much in the news in France as Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity in the face of the shame and disgrace that rape victims often experience. In contrast to Elizabeth and Mary, Gisèle was denied consent to what was happening to her as her husband and many other men abused her while she was drugged and she later spoke out to warn others during their trial. In suggesting that shame must change sides, Gisèle faced the shock of learning the full extent of what had happened to her, which left her exhausted but, as she said, “I have nothing to be ashamed of….. I can survive anything now.” Due to the staggering support she received from all over the world, Gisèle was able to allow the potential shame of what had happened to be transformed into a new way of life for herself and for others as French society engages with the consequences of the trial and calls begin for justice to be served by changing the law.
Gisèle’s husband betrayed her but both Elizabeth and Mary were fortunate to have the support of Zechariah and Joseph, hard though it was for both men in the shame they initially endured too. Perhaps there have been times in our own lives, families or communities when events have caused feelings of shame, scandal or embarrassment which may have been resolved but are perhaps festering through being concealed or lack of support? May the example of these remarkable women and men enable us to respond with courage and hope that God’s grace will also enable us to become transformative at the times when we may ask with Elizabeth, “Why has this happened to me?” As the light of Christmas dawns at this dark time, may we see more clearly how new life may develop as God’s purposes are discerned today:
‘…Mary stands with all we call ‘too young’
Elizabeth with all called ‘past their prime’.
They sing today for all the great unsung
Women who turned eternity to time
Favoured of heaven, outcast on the earth,
Prophets who bring the best in us to birth.’
From ‘The Visitation’ by Malcolm Guite.
With my prayers; pob bendith,
Christine, Priest Guardian.